Book excursions through your Disney Cruise Line account before you sail, or wait until you are onboard
You can reserve shore excursions (the official name for Disney's guided tours and activities at each port) in two ways: online through your Disney Cruise Line account before departure, or in person at the excursion desk on your ship during the first day or two at sea. Most excursions fill up weeks in advance, so booking early online gives you the best selection. If you wait until onboard, you may find popular activities sold out, though last-minute cancellations do open up spots.
Prices vary widely depending on the port and activity—a snorkeling trip might cost $80 per adult, while a private island cabana rental could run $500 or more. Disney charges your onboard account, so you do not pay at the time of booking. Cancellations made at least 14 days before your sail date receive a full refund; cancellations within 14 days are non-refundable.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your Disney Cruise Line account at disneycruise.disney.go.com and navigate to "Excursions" to see all available activities for your specific ports and dates.
- Book excursions online before your cruise departure date to find popular activities, since many sell out weeks in advance.
- If you do not book online, visit the excursion desk on your ship's first sea day to see what remains available and book in person.
- Cancellations made 14 or more days before your sail date are refundable; cancellations within 14 days forfeit your payment.
- Disney offers excursions at every port of call, ranging from beach days and water sports to cultural tours and character meet-and-greets.
How to book excursions online before your cruise
Go to disneycruise.disney.go.com and sign in with your Disney account. Click on your upcoming cruise reservation, then select "Excursions" from the menu. You will see a list of all ports on your itinerary with dates and available activities for each one.
Click on a port to see the full menu of excursions offered there. Each listing shows the activity name, departure time, duration, age or height restrictions (if any), price per person, and a brief description. Read the description carefully—some activities are physically demanding, some require swimming ability, and some are not suitable for young children. If you have questions about whether an excursion is right for your family, contact Disney Cruise Line directly at 1-800-939-5277 before booking.
Once you have chosen an excursion, select the number of guests and click "Add to Cart." You can book multiple excursions across different ports in one session. Review your selections, then proceed to checkout. Disney will charge your onboard account and send you a confirmation email with your booking details, including your excursion number and meeting time.
Booking excursions onboard your ship
If you did not book online, visit the excursion desk on your first or second sea day. The desk is usually located on Deck 5 or 6 (the exact location is in your onboard information packet). Staff can show you what is still available, answer questions about specific activities, and book you on the spot. Bring your room key card and be prepared to pay with your onboard account.
Onboard booking works well if you want to see the ship's crowd and weather before committing to a water-based activity, or if you want to ask staff detailed questions about physical demands or accessibility. However, popular excursions—especially character experiences and snorkeling trips—often sell out by the second day, so do not count on finding your first choice available.
Understanding excursion types and what to expect
Disney groups excursions into a few broad categories. Beach and water activities include snorkeling, paddleboarding, beach days, and water sports. Cultural and historical tours are guided walks through towns, museums, or historical sites. Adventure activities cover zip-lining, hiking, and other active pursuits. Character experiences let you meet Disney characters at a port location. Spa and relaxation excursions offer massages or wellness activities. Private island experiences (at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay) include cabanas, watersports, and premium beach access.
Most excursions include transportation from the ship to the activity location and back. Some include meals or snacks; the description will specify. You are responsible for bringing sunscreen, water, and any personal items you need. Disney provides life jackets for water activities, but you may want to bring your own if you prefer a specific fit.
What happens on the day of your excursion
On the morning of your excursion, go to the meeting location listed on your confirmation email at least 15 minutes early. A Disney staff member will check you in, verify your room key card, and direct you to the transport. Most excursions depart between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., though some afternoon and evening activities are also offered.
You will travel with other cruise guests and a Disney guide or local tour operator. The guide will explain the activity, answer questions, and keep the group together. Excursions typically last 3 to 5 hours, though some are shorter or longer. You will return to the ship well before all-aboard time (usually 5:30 p.m. or 6 p.m., printed on your daily program). If you are running late, call your ship when ready—Disney will not hold the ship for you.
Cancellation and refund rules
If you need to cancel an excursion you booked online, log back into your Disney Cruise Line account, go to your reservation, and click "Excursions." Find the activity you want to cancel and select "Cancel." If you cancel at least 14 days before your sail date, you will receive a full refund to your onboard account. If you cancel within 14 days of your sail date, the charge is non-refundable.
If you booked onboard and need to cancel, return to the excursion desk with your room key card. The same 14-day refund window applies. In rare cases—such as Disney cancelling an excursion due to weather or other circumstances—you will receive a full refund regardless of timing.
Tips for choosing the right excursion for your group
Read the age and height restrictions carefully. Some activities require children to be a certain age or height for safety reasons, and Disney enforces these rules. If you have a child who does not meet the requirement, ask the excursion desk whether a modified version exists or whether an adult can stay with the child while another adult participates.
Consider your family's fitness level and interests. A full-day snorkeling trip is not the same as a 2-hour beach day. If anyone in your group has mobility issues, heart conditions, or other health concerns, contact Disney before booking to confirm the activity is safe. Disney does not offer refunds for excursions that turn out to be too physically demanding for your group.
Check the weather forecast for your port dates. If rain or rough seas are predicted, water-based excursions may be cancelled or rescheduled. Disney will notify you onboard if this happens and offer a refund or rebooking option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book an excursion for only some people in my cabin?
Yes. When you book online or onboard, you select the number of guests participating. Other cabin members can stay on the ship or book different excursions. Each person's name does not need to be entered at booking time, but Disney will ask you to confirm who is attending when you check in on the day of the activity.
What if my excursion is cancelled due to weather?
Disney will notify you onboard as soon as possible. You will be offered a full refund or the option to rebook the same excursion at a different port (if available). You can also choose a different excursion at the same port if one is still open.
Do I need to bring my room key card to the excursion?
Yes. Your room key card is your ID and proof of booking. You cannot board the excursion transport without it. Leave it in your pocket or a find bag, and do not give it to anyone else.
Can I book an excursion the day before it happens?
If spots remain available, yes. Visit the excursion desk onboard and book in person. However, popular excursions often sell out days in advance, so waiting until the last minute is risky.
Are there excursions at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island?
Castaway Cay is included with your cruise—you do not need to book an excursion to visit the beach. However, Disney does offer paid add-ons at Castaway Cay, such as private cabanas, watersports equipment rentals, and premium beach lounging areas. You can book these through the excursion desk onboard or online.